Post by Katherine on Jun 27, 2014 15:06:16 GMT -5
Hi, a friend and I wrote a 3 part article series on summer and customization, originally intended to be submitted for NT 650, but it got TMGE'd. I resubmitted a week later (for 651, I'm assuming) and it was also rejected due to TMGE.
At this point I think I should revise it a bit...I would appreciate any suggestions, thank you!
Welcome to the second installment of Summer Styles, Hair and Accessories! Hopefully you've found some inspiration for setting and are on your way to thinking about the rest of the outfit! In this article, I will introduce to you wigs and accessories that you can use this season. Whenever I'm trying to finalize a customization, finding a suitable wig is actually what I struggle with the most. There are just so many possibilities, but matching both color and theme can be difficult. With a bit of practice, however, I've improved (or at least I think I have
). In any outfit, the wig really makes a statement, since it is visually at the center. On the other hand, accessories are less noticeable. They tend to complement the entire look, as a sort of a finishing touch. Without further ado, let's begin!
1. Mint and Aqua Flower Wig
Like the name suggests, this wig features mint flowers with aqua hair. When it was released last summer, the Mint and Aqua Flower Wig was instantaneously popular. No wonder why, these two colors look beautiful together and have a very soft vibe. The flowers are a bit reminiscent of spring, but the aqua hair feels like looking at the surface of water when the sun is shining. Because of these two images, this wig lends itself well to summer outfits based on water and gardens. Two possible backgrounds you could use this with are the Waterfall Diving Background and the Flowery Forest Background. The settings are very different, but this wig works equally well!
2. Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon
Summer is the time for the Altador Cup. Even if you aren't a fanatic, it's hard to ignore its presence throughout Neopia. This is the ninth year of the Altador Cup, and what better way to show your spirit than with the Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon? Insanely popular, this wig was re-released in last year's Fanatics Museum Collectors Corner Flashback Pass and is currently in the prize pool of the Archive Cookies. Thanks to the re-release, this beautiful wig is now much more affordable and accessible. This wig is perfect to use if you want to show your enthusiasm for the Altador Cup but maybe aren't in support of a particular team. If you'd like to show your team spirit, you can find a wig of the same design in the NC Mall with your corresponding team colors on the ribbon! What I like about the Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon is its versatility. The colors are gold and brown, so it won't clash with anything but is still beautiful enough to capture your attention. The possibilities are endless with this wig, so be creative!
3. Healing Springs Collectors Wig
Since it was released in the Famous Dailies Collection in Y13, this wig has been very sought after. Why wouldn't you want to look like the Healing Springs Faerie? The hair is a tan-ish color, with a shiny translucent quality. The pink shell at the top is the perfect, delicate finishing touch. I like using this wig in the summer because it has such a light character. If you have a beach of shell theme, the pink shell works perfectly for that purpose. This wig hints at summer but can be used for all sorts of occasions as well. This is another extremely versatile item to have in your closet.
4. Shell Coif Wig
At first glance, this is just a simple brown wig. If you look further you'll notice that it is in the shape of a seashell! This is a subtle wig that would be perfect to use if you don't want to draw too much attention to the hair, but want something that is summery. In addition, the lovely light brown colour won't clash with anything so feel free to pick any coloured dress. If you want to draw attention to the shell shape, then using more shell related items will help. The Beaded Shell Earrings and Beach Shell Fire Pit Foreground are what I would recommend. They help draw the look together but don't overuse the shell theme.
5. Star Dust Wig
The Star Dust Wig was recently released in the Faerie themed Wonderclaw. For those of you that don't know what that is, Wonderclaw is a NC game. To play, you need to have a widget and activate it. Then, you go to the machine and choose which machine to play! This wig plays on the more mystical side of summer. With so much to do during the daytime, it's easy to forget the beautiful stars that come out during the night. The glowing strands and the beautiful centerpiece of this wig will light up any customization. The Summer Fireworks Background is one that would look good with this wig.
Moving on to accessories…
1. Dripping Ice Cream Cone
It really isn't summer without ice cream. How suitable that this ice cream cone is dripping, too. Make sure you eat it up before all of it melts! This is one summer item that is always in my closet. You can use this ice cream cone in practically any outdoor customization, the backyard or the beach. Try adding other ice cream related items for fun!
2. Polka Dot Umbrella
This is a cute, lavender umbrella with colorful polka dots for all your rainy day needs! There are often rainy days during the summer, and you wouldn't want to be caught by surprise, would you? With an umbrella so vibrant, you will not be bogged down by the rain. It might be cute to pair this item with Rainbow Rain Boots or Altador Cup Rain Boots if you're heading to cheer for your favourite player! Not forgetting about the rainbow after the rain, the Dazzling Faerie Rainbow and Sparkling Rainbow are both wonderful items to consider. The former brings out the base colour of the umbrella while the latter matches the bright polka dots.
3. Festive Sparkler
The Festive Sparkler is great to use in any nighttime customization. Since it is a sparkler, try putting it with backgrounds that offer colour contrast, such as the Colourful Campfire Background or the Summer Fireworks Background. Add a bit of personal cheer with this lovely sparkler. Just think, wouldn't it be fun to have one of these during an evening get together or barbecue?
4. Shining Sun Staff
This staff is available in the NC Mall for 150 NC. Like the Festive Sparkler, this is another handheld that would look good with contrast. However, it also works well during the day, with bright customizations. If you would like to play off the sun theme, try looking at the items from the Sun Princess Superpack as a source of inspiration! This staff would also be perfect in Altador Cup related customizations.
5. Summer Beach Bag
This cute beach bag featuring a wave design is perfect to take with you when you're going for a swim. Instead of carrying everything separately, why not use this bag? What is nice about this bag is that it is a left hand item. This means that you can still accessorize the right hand, if you wish! The Summer Beach bag would look very natural with the Summer Fun Beach Background or the Mynci Beach Volleyball Background. You could go even further with the beach theme by adding the Sand Castle Foreground or Bouncing Beach Ball!
Hopefully you've found a few items that you'd like to try! An important factor in figuring out a customization is your starting point. Namely, what is colour of your pet? Here are a few tips about utilizing pet colour:
Pet colour is an important thing to consider because it can guide your decisions before you even start trying on items! Some colours will naturally look good with certain items while some won't. Let's take the colour Eventide, for example. An Eventide pet will look good with the Gorgeous Sunset Background, since the colors are similar and background is colourful. The pet will almost blend right in! However, it might look a bit more chaotic with the Garden Tea Background. The Garden Tea Background is equally colorful, but the colors are much brighter and pastely. In this case, the color is somewhat restricting.
As you can see, base colour is very important! Because of this, neutral colours, such as White, are very popular. Since the White Paint Brush is so expensive, two just as versatile options are Christmas and Biscuit. Both are under 100k, so you won't break your bank either! What is great about these colors is that they don't make any particular statement (if you remove the Christmas paint brush clothing). They can wear anything and it won't seem out of place.
Paint Brush clothing is also a very good thing! Let's say that you have a Desert pet. In a few weeks, if you're feeling like changing things up and wanting to paint him or her Royal, you can do that and still have the Desert clothes remaining in your closet! Sometimes, paint brush clothing is a great alternative to NC and NP items. My favourite shoes for my Draik to wear are the Desert Draik Sandals that I have from a previous paint that I did!
Look for the next issue of Summer Styles, Dresses, Skirts, and Shirts next week!
At this point I think I should revise it a bit...I would appreciate any suggestions, thank you!
Summer is the perfect time to forget about all your worries and relax. With the sun shining bright, one is suddenly struck by all the possibilities that this wonderful season offers. Whether it is a day at the beach with friends, feeling the air right before a storm, enjoying a cool drink on the front porch or catching fireflies during the many starlight nights, it is important to look your best!
Welcome to the first issue of Summer Styles! As a customization addict, summer is my favorite season to work with. In this series, I will introduce to you my favorite items to use for summer customizations in these three main categories: 1. Setting (Background, Higher Foreground, Lower Foreground), 2. Hair and Accessories, and 3. Dresses, Shirts, and Skirts. I will also be providing some tips and tricks to keep in mind when designing an outfit. Hopefully this guide will help you look great, not just for the summer season but all year round!
Beginning with setting, the beautiful, lush scenery is a great source of inspiration for any look. First, close your eyes and imagine where you want to be. The setting is important! Once you've decided, you can now move on to finding clothing and accessories that complement and bring out the surroundings. Here are ten great items that define settings, and some items that might complement them well!
1. Night Time Summer Beach Gathering Background
This is a beautiful beach environment that has a lively feeling of festivity while enjoying the cool night air. It's the perfect background to use when trying to convey a vacation or getaway. Although it may seem difficult to work with because there is a lot happening, that is not the case at all! All its beautiful colors will allow you freedom for finding clothing to match. Each of the hues in this background is subdued and gentle, so you won't have to worry about clashing. Because this background is already so vivid in color, I don't have to worry about finding other "exciting" items to use.
2. Charming Summer Garden Background
The Charming Summer Garden Background always reminds me of some sort of nearby, undiscovered paradise. It is ordinary enough to be close by but with a hint of beauty that makes it seem far away. Featuring a pebble path leading to a gate and surrounded by greenery, this setting has a very natural, outdoor look with the subtle swaying of the purple plant. The lightness of this background would be perfect for customizations involving pastel colors. When I use this background, I like to add to the garden theme, incorporating flowers, a parasol, and light rain.
3. Nautical Treasures Garland
This lovely garland features keepsakes from the ocean. Since so many summer related backgrounds have water in them, this garland is the perfect pairing. With its colorful hues, chances are it will complement something else in the customization. When used without water, it serves as a reminder of wonderful memories from a past vacation or perhaps a gift from a friend. You can use this with other nautical items, such as the Seashell Throne or Sea Shell Foreground.
4. Shallow Waves Foreground
The ebb and flow of these waves reveal sea stars and seashells and is also very peaceful to watch. This foreground is always in my closet, and I constantly use it whenever I create a customization involving water. The light aqua color of the waves blends well, so don't be afraid of it clashing with a background! The Summer Fun Beach Background and Waterfall Diving Background are two you could try with this foreground.
5. Grass Foreground
Isn't it soothing watching the grass move back and forth? This foreground is perfect for those who imagine lying in an open field, daydreaming the day away. No wonder why this is such a popular item! If you're lucky enough to have this in your closet, it will greatly enhance your "natural" looks of the outdoors. The Grass Foreground is great because it works as both a point of emphasis and as a decorative item, and equally well in both circumstances. It's a simple item but really adds the finishing touch to any setting.
6. Radiant Sun Rise Background
After a night of stargazing, why not watch the sun rise? As the name suggests, this is indeed a radiant sunrise. The sky changes from a reddish magenta to an orangey hue as the sun gently rises. To me, this background is the definition of the beauty of the outdoors. With this background, you could either play off of the vibrancy of the sky with orange, pink, and red colors or use items that match more with the earth tones, giving the customization a more muted effect. Whatever the focal point you choose to work with may be, it will turn out to be a stunning combination.
7. Sun Shower
This shower is definitely my favorite item available in the NC mall. A hint of sunlight is always lovely, regardless if it is summertime or not. If you don't own one, hurry and buy it! The Sun Shower instantly lights up any customization and naturally highlights the scene. Although some items naturally have their own glow, the sun shower will bring that out even more. It manages to be present without overpowering and taking attention away from whatever your focal point is. If you want a sparkly, dewy effect, try using a Golden Glitter Shower in the background. Both items work well together to bring out the radiance in any customization.
8. Front Porch Background
Sometimes you don't have to go far away to relax! Just sit outside on the porch and enjoy a cool drink while reading a book or listening to music. I like this background because of how "humble" it is. The best form of comfort is somewhere familiar, and what better place is there than at home? This cheery background has bright colors that will be fun to coordinate with. I would suggest trying to complement this background by using colors similar in vividness to the purple on the rocking chair and on the blue flower. If you wanted to highlight the lemonade on the table, then the Pink Lemonade Stand Foreground is one option.
9. MME2-S1: Mystical Rain Shower
What a beautiful rain shower! When you see the aqua and pink hazy mist, there is no doubt that it is indeed mystical. One of the most popular NC items, it is highly sought after because of both its versatility and beauty. Any customization that uses this shower instantly feels more enchanting. It is perfect for summertime use because of the many rain showers that happen (sometimes unexpectedly!) during the season. Even though it's so pretty and I am tempted to use it all the time, I wouldn't recommend trying it indoors!
10. Mystery Island Vacation Background
This background is a perfect snapshot of a past trip. Seeing the palm trees and sand will instantly put you at ease. Going along with the snapshot theme, it would be fun to use the Nautical Treasures Garland or Sunflower String Lights. Even though so much of this background is a soft tan, don't be afraid of adding more color! The contrast is welcome. A brightly colored bathing suit, such as the Strawberry Bathing Suit would complete the look.
If you're feeling at a loss, here are some tips: When beginning a customization, I pick an item that I want to make the focal point. It could be the background, dress, or a wig. Then, I look for items that will subtly emphasize that item by having a common point. For example, if I wanted to use the Mint and Aqua Flower Wig, then I might pair it with the Waterfall Diving Background because of the similar aqua color. While these two items may not necessarily have a thematic relationship, the harmony in color creates a relaxing visual image. From that point on, you have the chance to play around with colors. Try to avoid picking items that have strong clashing colors that divert the attention away from your pet. You could try complimentary colors or varying degrees of darkness and lightness on one color.
Another way to customize is by theme. For example, summer. With themes, one item may not be the focus. Everything helps bring the look together. A theme can be very unified, such as the superpacks sold in the NC Mall or they could be looser and based on a broader idea. There is a macro and micro picture. Say you wanted to make a spooky customization. That could involve having darker items, eyeballs and ghosts, which would be an example of a broad unification. A sub-category of spooky could be cobwebs. Using items that have cobwebs or are related to cobwebs only also conveys spooky, but in a more specific manner.
As you can see, there's a lot of freedom when it comes to customization but if that scares you, then there are also ways to restrict yourself. The only thing I tend to avoid doing is putting together outfits based on item value. Even though an item may have been difficult to achieve, if it doesn't make sense to use it, then the whole product is undermined. If you really want to use a certain item, then try to find a way to incorporate it naturally. That way, it will get the attention it deserves and in a much less cluttered manner too! Good luck, and have fun!
Stay tuned for the next installment of Summer Styles: Hair and Accessories!
Welcome to the first issue of Summer Styles! As a customization addict, summer is my favorite season to work with. In this series, I will introduce to you my favorite items to use for summer customizations in these three main categories: 1. Setting (Background, Higher Foreground, Lower Foreground), 2. Hair and Accessories, and 3. Dresses, Shirts, and Skirts. I will also be providing some tips and tricks to keep in mind when designing an outfit. Hopefully this guide will help you look great, not just for the summer season but all year round!
Beginning with setting, the beautiful, lush scenery is a great source of inspiration for any look. First, close your eyes and imagine where you want to be. The setting is important! Once you've decided, you can now move on to finding clothing and accessories that complement and bring out the surroundings. Here are ten great items that define settings, and some items that might complement them well!
1. Night Time Summer Beach Gathering Background
This is a beautiful beach environment that has a lively feeling of festivity while enjoying the cool night air. It's the perfect background to use when trying to convey a vacation or getaway. Although it may seem difficult to work with because there is a lot happening, that is not the case at all! All its beautiful colors will allow you freedom for finding clothing to match. Each of the hues in this background is subdued and gentle, so you won't have to worry about clashing. Because this background is already so vivid in color, I don't have to worry about finding other "exciting" items to use.
2. Charming Summer Garden Background
The Charming Summer Garden Background always reminds me of some sort of nearby, undiscovered paradise. It is ordinary enough to be close by but with a hint of beauty that makes it seem far away. Featuring a pebble path leading to a gate and surrounded by greenery, this setting has a very natural, outdoor look with the subtle swaying of the purple plant. The lightness of this background would be perfect for customizations involving pastel colors. When I use this background, I like to add to the garden theme, incorporating flowers, a parasol, and light rain.
3. Nautical Treasures Garland
This lovely garland features keepsakes from the ocean. Since so many summer related backgrounds have water in them, this garland is the perfect pairing. With its colorful hues, chances are it will complement something else in the customization. When used without water, it serves as a reminder of wonderful memories from a past vacation or perhaps a gift from a friend. You can use this with other nautical items, such as the Seashell Throne or Sea Shell Foreground.
4. Shallow Waves Foreground
The ebb and flow of these waves reveal sea stars and seashells and is also very peaceful to watch. This foreground is always in my closet, and I constantly use it whenever I create a customization involving water. The light aqua color of the waves blends well, so don't be afraid of it clashing with a background! The Summer Fun Beach Background and Waterfall Diving Background are two you could try with this foreground.
5. Grass Foreground
Isn't it soothing watching the grass move back and forth? This foreground is perfect for those who imagine lying in an open field, daydreaming the day away. No wonder why this is such a popular item! If you're lucky enough to have this in your closet, it will greatly enhance your "natural" looks of the outdoors. The Grass Foreground is great because it works as both a point of emphasis and as a decorative item, and equally well in both circumstances. It's a simple item but really adds the finishing touch to any setting.
6. Radiant Sun Rise Background
After a night of stargazing, why not watch the sun rise? As the name suggests, this is indeed a radiant sunrise. The sky changes from a reddish magenta to an orangey hue as the sun gently rises. To me, this background is the definition of the beauty of the outdoors. With this background, you could either play off of the vibrancy of the sky with orange, pink, and red colors or use items that match more with the earth tones, giving the customization a more muted effect. Whatever the focal point you choose to work with may be, it will turn out to be a stunning combination.
7. Sun Shower
This shower is definitely my favorite item available in the NC mall. A hint of sunlight is always lovely, regardless if it is summertime or not. If you don't own one, hurry and buy it! The Sun Shower instantly lights up any customization and naturally highlights the scene. Although some items naturally have their own glow, the sun shower will bring that out even more. It manages to be present without overpowering and taking attention away from whatever your focal point is. If you want a sparkly, dewy effect, try using a Golden Glitter Shower in the background. Both items work well together to bring out the radiance in any customization.
8. Front Porch Background
Sometimes you don't have to go far away to relax! Just sit outside on the porch and enjoy a cool drink while reading a book or listening to music. I like this background because of how "humble" it is. The best form of comfort is somewhere familiar, and what better place is there than at home? This cheery background has bright colors that will be fun to coordinate with. I would suggest trying to complement this background by using colors similar in vividness to the purple on the rocking chair and on the blue flower. If you wanted to highlight the lemonade on the table, then the Pink Lemonade Stand Foreground is one option.
9. MME2-S1: Mystical Rain Shower
What a beautiful rain shower! When you see the aqua and pink hazy mist, there is no doubt that it is indeed mystical. One of the most popular NC items, it is highly sought after because of both its versatility and beauty. Any customization that uses this shower instantly feels more enchanting. It is perfect for summertime use because of the many rain showers that happen (sometimes unexpectedly!) during the season. Even though it's so pretty and I am tempted to use it all the time, I wouldn't recommend trying it indoors!
10. Mystery Island Vacation Background
This background is a perfect snapshot of a past trip. Seeing the palm trees and sand will instantly put you at ease. Going along with the snapshot theme, it would be fun to use the Nautical Treasures Garland or Sunflower String Lights. Even though so much of this background is a soft tan, don't be afraid of adding more color! The contrast is welcome. A brightly colored bathing suit, such as the Strawberry Bathing Suit would complete the look.
If you're feeling at a loss, here are some tips: When beginning a customization, I pick an item that I want to make the focal point. It could be the background, dress, or a wig. Then, I look for items that will subtly emphasize that item by having a common point. For example, if I wanted to use the Mint and Aqua Flower Wig, then I might pair it with the Waterfall Diving Background because of the similar aqua color. While these two items may not necessarily have a thematic relationship, the harmony in color creates a relaxing visual image. From that point on, you have the chance to play around with colors. Try to avoid picking items that have strong clashing colors that divert the attention away from your pet. You could try complimentary colors or varying degrees of darkness and lightness on one color.
Another way to customize is by theme. For example, summer. With themes, one item may not be the focus. Everything helps bring the look together. A theme can be very unified, such as the superpacks sold in the NC Mall or they could be looser and based on a broader idea. There is a macro and micro picture. Say you wanted to make a spooky customization. That could involve having darker items, eyeballs and ghosts, which would be an example of a broad unification. A sub-category of spooky could be cobwebs. Using items that have cobwebs or are related to cobwebs only also conveys spooky, but in a more specific manner.
As you can see, there's a lot of freedom when it comes to customization but if that scares you, then there are also ways to restrict yourself. The only thing I tend to avoid doing is putting together outfits based on item value. Even though an item may have been difficult to achieve, if it doesn't make sense to use it, then the whole product is undermined. If you really want to use a certain item, then try to find a way to incorporate it naturally. That way, it will get the attention it deserves and in a much less cluttered manner too! Good luck, and have fun!
Stay tuned for the next installment of Summer Styles: Hair and Accessories!
Welcome to the second installment of Summer Styles, Hair and Accessories! Hopefully you've found some inspiration for setting and are on your way to thinking about the rest of the outfit! In this article, I will introduce to you wigs and accessories that you can use this season. Whenever I'm trying to finalize a customization, finding a suitable wig is actually what I struggle with the most. There are just so many possibilities, but matching both color and theme can be difficult. With a bit of practice, however, I've improved (or at least I think I have
). In any outfit, the wig really makes a statement, since it is visually at the center. On the other hand, accessories are less noticeable. They tend to complement the entire look, as a sort of a finishing touch. Without further ado, let's begin!1. Mint and Aqua Flower Wig
Like the name suggests, this wig features mint flowers with aqua hair. When it was released last summer, the Mint and Aqua Flower Wig was instantaneously popular. No wonder why, these two colors look beautiful together and have a very soft vibe. The flowers are a bit reminiscent of spring, but the aqua hair feels like looking at the surface of water when the sun is shining. Because of these two images, this wig lends itself well to summer outfits based on water and gardens. Two possible backgrounds you could use this with are the Waterfall Diving Background and the Flowery Forest Background. The settings are very different, but this wig works equally well!
2. Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon
Summer is the time for the Altador Cup. Even if you aren't a fanatic, it's hard to ignore its presence throughout Neopia. This is the ninth year of the Altador Cup, and what better way to show your spirit than with the Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon? Insanely popular, this wig was re-released in last year's Fanatics Museum Collectors Corner Flashback Pass and is currently in the prize pool of the Archive Cookies. Thanks to the re-release, this beautiful wig is now much more affordable and accessible. This wig is perfect to use if you want to show your enthusiasm for the Altador Cup but maybe aren't in support of a particular team. If you'd like to show your team spirit, you can find a wig of the same design in the NC Mall with your corresponding team colors on the ribbon! What I like about the Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon is its versatility. The colors are gold and brown, so it won't clash with anything but is still beautiful enough to capture your attention. The possibilities are endless with this wig, so be creative!
3. Healing Springs Collectors Wig
Since it was released in the Famous Dailies Collection in Y13, this wig has been very sought after. Why wouldn't you want to look like the Healing Springs Faerie? The hair is a tan-ish color, with a shiny translucent quality. The pink shell at the top is the perfect, delicate finishing touch. I like using this wig in the summer because it has such a light character. If you have a beach of shell theme, the pink shell works perfectly for that purpose. This wig hints at summer but can be used for all sorts of occasions as well. This is another extremely versatile item to have in your closet.
4. Shell Coif Wig
At first glance, this is just a simple brown wig. If you look further you'll notice that it is in the shape of a seashell! This is a subtle wig that would be perfect to use if you don't want to draw too much attention to the hair, but want something that is summery. In addition, the lovely light brown colour won't clash with anything so feel free to pick any coloured dress. If you want to draw attention to the shell shape, then using more shell related items will help. The Beaded Shell Earrings and Beach Shell Fire Pit Foreground are what I would recommend. They help draw the look together but don't overuse the shell theme.
5. Star Dust Wig
The Star Dust Wig was recently released in the Faerie themed Wonderclaw. For those of you that don't know what that is, Wonderclaw is a NC game. To play, you need to have a widget and activate it. Then, you go to the machine and choose which machine to play! This wig plays on the more mystical side of summer. With so much to do during the daytime, it's easy to forget the beautiful stars that come out during the night. The glowing strands and the beautiful centerpiece of this wig will light up any customization. The Summer Fireworks Background is one that would look good with this wig.
Moving on to accessories…
1. Dripping Ice Cream Cone
It really isn't summer without ice cream. How suitable that this ice cream cone is dripping, too. Make sure you eat it up before all of it melts! This is one summer item that is always in my closet. You can use this ice cream cone in practically any outdoor customization, the backyard or the beach. Try adding other ice cream related items for fun!
2. Polka Dot Umbrella
This is a cute, lavender umbrella with colorful polka dots for all your rainy day needs! There are often rainy days during the summer, and you wouldn't want to be caught by surprise, would you? With an umbrella so vibrant, you will not be bogged down by the rain. It might be cute to pair this item with Rainbow Rain Boots or Altador Cup Rain Boots if you're heading to cheer for your favourite player! Not forgetting about the rainbow after the rain, the Dazzling Faerie Rainbow and Sparkling Rainbow are both wonderful items to consider. The former brings out the base colour of the umbrella while the latter matches the bright polka dots.
3. Festive Sparkler
The Festive Sparkler is great to use in any nighttime customization. Since it is a sparkler, try putting it with backgrounds that offer colour contrast, such as the Colourful Campfire Background or the Summer Fireworks Background. Add a bit of personal cheer with this lovely sparkler. Just think, wouldn't it be fun to have one of these during an evening get together or barbecue?
4. Shining Sun Staff
This staff is available in the NC Mall for 150 NC. Like the Festive Sparkler, this is another handheld that would look good with contrast. However, it also works well during the day, with bright customizations. If you would like to play off the sun theme, try looking at the items from the Sun Princess Superpack as a source of inspiration! This staff would also be perfect in Altador Cup related customizations.
5. Summer Beach Bag
This cute beach bag featuring a wave design is perfect to take with you when you're going for a swim. Instead of carrying everything separately, why not use this bag? What is nice about this bag is that it is a left hand item. This means that you can still accessorize the right hand, if you wish! The Summer Beach bag would look very natural with the Summer Fun Beach Background or the Mynci Beach Volleyball Background. You could go even further with the beach theme by adding the Sand Castle Foreground or Bouncing Beach Ball!
Hopefully you've found a few items that you'd like to try! An important factor in figuring out a customization is your starting point. Namely, what is colour of your pet? Here are a few tips about utilizing pet colour:
Pet colour is an important thing to consider because it can guide your decisions before you even start trying on items! Some colours will naturally look good with certain items while some won't. Let's take the colour Eventide, for example. An Eventide pet will look good with the Gorgeous Sunset Background, since the colors are similar and background is colourful. The pet will almost blend right in! However, it might look a bit more chaotic with the Garden Tea Background. The Garden Tea Background is equally colorful, but the colors are much brighter and pastely. In this case, the color is somewhat restricting.
As you can see, base colour is very important! Because of this, neutral colours, such as White, are very popular. Since the White Paint Brush is so expensive, two just as versatile options are Christmas and Biscuit. Both are under 100k, so you won't break your bank either! What is great about these colors is that they don't make any particular statement (if you remove the Christmas paint brush clothing). They can wear anything and it won't seem out of place.
Paint Brush clothing is also a very good thing! Let's say that you have a Desert pet. In a few weeks, if you're feeling like changing things up and wanting to paint him or her Royal, you can do that and still have the Desert clothes remaining in your closet! Sometimes, paint brush clothing is a great alternative to NC and NP items. My favourite shoes for my Draik to wear are the Desert Draik Sandals that I have from a previous paint that I did!
Look for the next issue of Summer Styles, Dresses, Skirts, and Shirts next week!
Welcome to the last issue of Summer Styles, Dresses, Skirts, and Shirts! By this point, I hope you've found some items you'd like to try working with. The hardest part is always getting started. I find that once I decide on one item, figuring out the rest flows pretty smoothly. In this segment, I'd like to introduce some options for clothing, whether it's a dress or shirt and skirt combination. Summer clothing, with its bright colours and florals is so pretty that it's hard to decide what to use sometimes! In any customization, clothing helps bring the look together, so try not to have conflicting ideas! It wouldn't make very much sense to be at a beach, but wearing the Prissy Miss Snowflake Dress. When there is a lack of coherency, we don't know what to focus on, creating a haphazard image. Luckily, there are plenty of options for the Summer!
1. Sleeveless Floral Summer Dress
This beautiful dress has a floral design with a green belt and daisy buckle. The flowers on the dress are watercolor-esque, giving this dress a light and breezy feeling. It would be perfect for both formal and informal occasions, whether you are going to a tea party or spending the day at home reading a book. If you're looking for a similar color scheme, this dress would look wonderful with the Cheerful Day Background.
2. Vibrant Summer Stripes Dress
Comprised of four colours, a pastel yellow, orange, sky blue, and teal, this dress will surely brighten up any outfit. I like this dress because there's nothing excessive about it. The dress has a simple, clean design, and let the colours speak for themselves. This dress might be a bit tricky to work with at first. If your background or wig is very colourful, then it probably won't be a good fit to use this dress. Try to see if you can match one of the colours of the stripes or pick a neutral colour. The Basic Long Blonde Wig works well, because it is an almost combination of the pastel yellow and orange on the dress. Try the Summer Fun Beach Background as well, the colours of the waves match the teal on the dress!
3. Strawberry Bathing Suit
Usually, my default instinct is to pick a dress to wear. However, let's not forget that there are several bathing suits available as well! Summer is the season for strawberries. This adorable suit features strawberries with a leaf design at the top. What could be more perfect for the beach? If you'd like to match the bathing suit, try a Strawberry Wig or the Strawberry Face Paint. It never hurts to bring out such a cute theme! However, don't worry if strawberries aren't your thing. There are plenty of other bathing suits to choose from such as the White Flower Red Bathing Suit and Charming Bathing Suit.
4. Sparkling Aqua Sequin Skirt
The Sparkling Aqua Sequin Skirt is one of my favourite skirts to use. This skirt has a pretty gold band and is decorated with sequins. Best of all, it sparkles! I find the shape of this skirt very versatile. It isn't overly long and doesn't flare out strangely, making it look good on almost all body types. Try it with a cute top like the Ruffled Blue Shirt! It's also great for layering underneath a dress, if you want a little more sparkle to your outfit. To find which dresses would be a good fit, look at how the dress ends. If it's too long, like the Lavender Tulle Dress, then the skirt won't show and will look awkward underneath the dress. Iscas Dress frays a bit at the ends, so that would be an option. Notice how through the frays, the Sparkling Aqua Sequin Skirt shows. This way, you get the best of both the dress and skirt in your outfit.
5. Altador Cup Cheerleader Dress
Get into style with the Altador Cup Cheerleader Dress! While cheering for your favourite team, you can also look impeccable. This dress has a wonderful colour base, a light tan with gold that will go well with almost anything. If you'd like to show your spirit for the Altador Cup a bit more, try this dress with the Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon or Altador Cup Cheerleader Wig. Want to show your support for a specific team? Then pair it with a Team Braided Wig. These newly released wigs are available in the NC Mall for 150 NC.
6. Cherry Blossom Silk Dress
Escape to Shenkuu with this beautiful silk dress. Who doesn't love cherry blossoms? For a more floral, soft summer look, the Cherry Blossom Silk Dress would be my first pick. This dress features cherry blossoms on a light pink base with an elegant black sash. Try this dress with the Shenkuu Rock Garden Background or MiniMME14-S1: Shenkuu Summer Garden Background. The Cherry Blossom Silk Dress also gives you the opportunity to use more pink and purple, instead of the usual summery colors.
7. Orange Island Dress
This dress will brighten up even the dullest day with its orange, green, yellow, and red colours. The Orange Island Dress is a halter top dress with beautiful beading and a tropical print design. With this dress, you can really go for an island or tropical theme. I like this dress with the Braided Island Wig and Mystery Island Vacation Background, for a tourist look. However, you don't need to feel confined to Mystery Island as a source of inspiration. The bright orange and red also remind me of the sun. Try the Romantic Sunrise Background or Gorgeous Sunset Background, depending on what sort of character you're going for.
8. Cloud Covered Summer Dress
Even in the heat of summer, this dress will make you feel light and breezy. This navy blue dress is surrounded by clouds. Using a cloud theme, you can achieve a cooler summer look. I would recommend the Cloud Castle Background or Amongst the Clouds Background if you're looking to only use different hues of blue. If you're looking for a bit more colour to work with, try the Fantasy Cloud Background.
9. Cheerful Watermelon Skirt
This adorable dress is the epitome of summer. The Cheerful Watermelon Skirt works well for those that are looking for a cute, youthful look. You can play with the watermelon and fruit theme, try using some of the items from the Watermelon Party, which was a past Shenanigifts. If you want even more watermelon, there's also a Cheerful Watermelon Top! You don't have to overuse the watermelon theme in order to be successful with the skirt, either! I like pairing this skirt with the Premium Collectible: Red Gingham Top or Pretty Green Faerie Shirt.
10. Pretty Faerie Shirt (All colors)
How many times have you seen a shirt that you liked and wished that it came in other colors? Well wish no longer, these shirts are your dream come true! Available in blue, green, purple, red, and yellow, you'll never have to worry about not being able to find a top to match that skirt!
By now, I'm sure that you're dressed to impress for the Summer season! Lastly, I'd like to end with a few tips on neocash trading. When you first create a wishlist, it can be very overwhelming. My neocash addiction first started with hunting down the NC items that were relevant to my gallery. Once that was completed, I moved onto creating outfits for my pets. From that point on, I was hooked. After you've figured out which items you would like to hunt down and have an approximate idea of the value for each, I would suggest lurking the neocash board. Look at people's tradelists and figure out what items you commonly see, what are the newer items, what are the older ones, and where it came from. If there's an item you frequently see, then chances are it won't be hard to trade for. The higher valued items tend to be old and were available in a limited manner (not directly buyable from the mall, such as through an event), though this is not always the case. Familiarizing yourself before attempting anything is always important and it is no different for neocash. Once you've gotten a good idea, then start trying to trade. As fun as it might seem, impatience and jumping right in may do you more harm than good.
Another suggestion I have is to be patient when seeking out an item. Sooner or later, a trade that will satisfy both you and your trader will pop up. I'm not talking about undervaluing someone else's item, though. What I mean is someone may be seeking what you're offering, if you give it a chance. Instead of offering a large custom or parting with an item you don't want to part with, try to wait for a trade that you are comfortable with. Remember that it never hurts to ask, people are kind and polite as long as you are the same in return! With a bit of luck, this isn't as rare as it seems. Just don't let impatience get the best of you! Trading may seem daunting at first, but people will be happy to help if you just ask.
I hope that this series on Summer Styles has been beneficial to you. Have fun, and good luck!
1. Sleeveless Floral Summer Dress
This beautiful dress has a floral design with a green belt and daisy buckle. The flowers on the dress are watercolor-esque, giving this dress a light and breezy feeling. It would be perfect for both formal and informal occasions, whether you are going to a tea party or spending the day at home reading a book. If you're looking for a similar color scheme, this dress would look wonderful with the Cheerful Day Background.
2. Vibrant Summer Stripes Dress
Comprised of four colours, a pastel yellow, orange, sky blue, and teal, this dress will surely brighten up any outfit. I like this dress because there's nothing excessive about it. The dress has a simple, clean design, and let the colours speak for themselves. This dress might be a bit tricky to work with at first. If your background or wig is very colourful, then it probably won't be a good fit to use this dress. Try to see if you can match one of the colours of the stripes or pick a neutral colour. The Basic Long Blonde Wig works well, because it is an almost combination of the pastel yellow and orange on the dress. Try the Summer Fun Beach Background as well, the colours of the waves match the teal on the dress!
3. Strawberry Bathing Suit
Usually, my default instinct is to pick a dress to wear. However, let's not forget that there are several bathing suits available as well! Summer is the season for strawberries. This adorable suit features strawberries with a leaf design at the top. What could be more perfect for the beach? If you'd like to match the bathing suit, try a Strawberry Wig or the Strawberry Face Paint. It never hurts to bring out such a cute theme! However, don't worry if strawberries aren't your thing. There are plenty of other bathing suits to choose from such as the White Flower Red Bathing Suit and Charming Bathing Suit.
4. Sparkling Aqua Sequin Skirt
The Sparkling Aqua Sequin Skirt is one of my favourite skirts to use. This skirt has a pretty gold band and is decorated with sequins. Best of all, it sparkles! I find the shape of this skirt very versatile. It isn't overly long and doesn't flare out strangely, making it look good on almost all body types. Try it with a cute top like the Ruffled Blue Shirt! It's also great for layering underneath a dress, if you want a little more sparkle to your outfit. To find which dresses would be a good fit, look at how the dress ends. If it's too long, like the Lavender Tulle Dress, then the skirt won't show and will look awkward underneath the dress. Iscas Dress frays a bit at the ends, so that would be an option. Notice how through the frays, the Sparkling Aqua Sequin Skirt shows. This way, you get the best of both the dress and skirt in your outfit.
5. Altador Cup Cheerleader Dress
Get into style with the Altador Cup Cheerleader Dress! While cheering for your favourite team, you can also look impeccable. This dress has a wonderful colour base, a light tan with gold that will go well with almost anything. If you'd like to show your spirit for the Altador Cup a bit more, try this dress with the Altadorian Wig with Gold Ribbon or Altador Cup Cheerleader Wig. Want to show your support for a specific team? Then pair it with a Team Braided Wig. These newly released wigs are available in the NC Mall for 150 NC.
6. Cherry Blossom Silk Dress
Escape to Shenkuu with this beautiful silk dress. Who doesn't love cherry blossoms? For a more floral, soft summer look, the Cherry Blossom Silk Dress would be my first pick. This dress features cherry blossoms on a light pink base with an elegant black sash. Try this dress with the Shenkuu Rock Garden Background or MiniMME14-S1: Shenkuu Summer Garden Background. The Cherry Blossom Silk Dress also gives you the opportunity to use more pink and purple, instead of the usual summery colors.
7. Orange Island Dress
This dress will brighten up even the dullest day with its orange, green, yellow, and red colours. The Orange Island Dress is a halter top dress with beautiful beading and a tropical print design. With this dress, you can really go for an island or tropical theme. I like this dress with the Braided Island Wig and Mystery Island Vacation Background, for a tourist look. However, you don't need to feel confined to Mystery Island as a source of inspiration. The bright orange and red also remind me of the sun. Try the Romantic Sunrise Background or Gorgeous Sunset Background, depending on what sort of character you're going for.
8. Cloud Covered Summer Dress
Even in the heat of summer, this dress will make you feel light and breezy. This navy blue dress is surrounded by clouds. Using a cloud theme, you can achieve a cooler summer look. I would recommend the Cloud Castle Background or Amongst the Clouds Background if you're looking to only use different hues of blue. If you're looking for a bit more colour to work with, try the Fantasy Cloud Background.
9. Cheerful Watermelon Skirt
This adorable dress is the epitome of summer. The Cheerful Watermelon Skirt works well for those that are looking for a cute, youthful look. You can play with the watermelon and fruit theme, try using some of the items from the Watermelon Party, which was a past Shenanigifts. If you want even more watermelon, there's also a Cheerful Watermelon Top! You don't have to overuse the watermelon theme in order to be successful with the skirt, either! I like pairing this skirt with the Premium Collectible: Red Gingham Top or Pretty Green Faerie Shirt.
10. Pretty Faerie Shirt (All colors)
How many times have you seen a shirt that you liked and wished that it came in other colors? Well wish no longer, these shirts are your dream come true! Available in blue, green, purple, red, and yellow, you'll never have to worry about not being able to find a top to match that skirt!
By now, I'm sure that you're dressed to impress for the Summer season! Lastly, I'd like to end with a few tips on neocash trading. When you first create a wishlist, it can be very overwhelming. My neocash addiction first started with hunting down the NC items that were relevant to my gallery. Once that was completed, I moved onto creating outfits for my pets. From that point on, I was hooked. After you've figured out which items you would like to hunt down and have an approximate idea of the value for each, I would suggest lurking the neocash board. Look at people's tradelists and figure out what items you commonly see, what are the newer items, what are the older ones, and where it came from. If there's an item you frequently see, then chances are it won't be hard to trade for. The higher valued items tend to be old and were available in a limited manner (not directly buyable from the mall, such as through an event), though this is not always the case. Familiarizing yourself before attempting anything is always important and it is no different for neocash. Once you've gotten a good idea, then start trying to trade. As fun as it might seem, impatience and jumping right in may do you more harm than good.
Another suggestion I have is to be patient when seeking out an item. Sooner or later, a trade that will satisfy both you and your trader will pop up. I'm not talking about undervaluing someone else's item, though. What I mean is someone may be seeking what you're offering, if you give it a chance. Instead of offering a large custom or parting with an item you don't want to part with, try to wait for a trade that you are comfortable with. Remember that it never hurts to ask, people are kind and polite as long as you are the same in return! With a bit of luck, this isn't as rare as it seems. Just don't let impatience get the best of you! Trading may seem daunting at first, but people will be happy to help if you just ask.
I hope that this series on Summer Styles has been beneficial to you. Have fun, and good luck!
So if I came up with a few sample images and uploaded them on a hosting site and used the img src link it would show up on the article if it were to be published? 
